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Soviet Union and the United States. “As
a Russian-American artist, I combine the
European aesthetic for classical art with the
Western push for ideas,” she shares.
Boldly addressing socio-political issues
and social change with gentle strokes of oil
paint, Winters harnesses the power of beauty
to soften the bristling effect of justif ied
social confrontation. In each work, she spins
edgy incentives around the pivot of women’s
experience. Themes of confidence, clarity and
a sense of agency resonate in her oil paintings,
particularly in her series Iconic Women, which
includes the resurgence of leading figures like
Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette and references the
exemplary Rosa Parks.
“The cult of domesticity haunts women.
Many women are perceived as shoe cleaners
even when we have jobs. I honour the female
spirit through my images,” says Winters, whose
personal struggles and circumstances deepened
her solidarity with the challenges women face
within society. Winters believes that in order
for women to accomplish their potential, having
a solid grasp on one’s identity is essential.
“In my art, I elevate the female strength with
gentle curves and romantic hues,” expresses
Winters, “I want to show women how beautiful
and inspiring they can be, and that it is beyond
silly selfies and flashy pictures. I believe my
paintings can help women break through the
self-limiting beliefs that cause emotional distress.
We often give up, find excuses or settle for less,
because we don’t fully understand who we are.”